Norma López-Burton
University of California, Davis
Emerita
Laura Marqués-Pascual, PhD
University of California, Santa Barbara
Cristina Pardo Ballester, PhD
Iowa State University
Norma López-Burton
University of California, Davis
Emerita
Laura Marqués-Pascual, PhD
University of California, Santa Barbara
Cristina Pardo Ballester, PhD
Iowa State University
Pura vida is an innovative twelve-chapter introductory Spanish program that teaches cultural literacy with a unique approach, encouraging students to discover language and culture through the experiences of its people. This discovery method leads students to think critically and make their own cross-cultural comparisons, while at the same time giving them a strong foundation in Spanish so they can use it in their everyday lives as true global citizens.
Students are encouraged to discover cultural differences and similarities, rather than simply being told about them. Through the unique Una perspectiva and Otra perspectiva readings, cultural similarities and differences observed by Spanish speakers visiting the US and Americans visiting Spanish speaking countries are highlighted as they share and reflect on their experiences.
At Vista Higher Learning, our mission is to raise the level of teaching and learning of languages to a new level. Our singular focus for the past twenty years has been on creating the highest quality integrated print and digital solutions that meet the needs of all language learners—from those learning a new language, to improving a second language or perfecting their native language. We remain dedicated to publishing research-based, groundbreaking digital and print materials that inspire and empower language educators and students to face the challenges of the twenty-first century.